The Free Press posted Helene St. James’ customary morning article a couple of minutes ago. This morning, St. James discusses Alex DeBrincat’s belief that he can meaningfully add to the Red Wings’ attempts to return to playoff form:
DeBrincat’s new four-year contract, with a $7.875 million annual average value that is behind only Dylan Larkin’s $8.7 million, is indicative of how much the Wings expect of DeBrincat. It is pressure he relishes.
“I’m definitely confident in my ability,” DeBrincat said. “I think this team is a good fit for me. Hopefully we can get back into the playoffs, that is everyone’s goal, and hopefully it’s sooner than later. We just have to keep growing as a team and keep putting in the work to get back there.”
Since the number DeBrincat has worn in the NHL, 12, hangs from the rafters at Little Caesars Arena in honor of Sid Abel, DeBrincat said he plans to wear No. 93 because it’s what he wore in juniors and is the year his brother was born. (The only other player to wear that in Wings history is Johan Franzen.) Whatever the 5-foot-8, 178-pound forward wears on his back, DeBrincat’s attitude is to play with an indomitable front.
“I try not to back down from anyone,” DeBrincat said. “Being a smaller forward in the league, sometimes people try to bully you around, but that’s something I try to not let get taken too out of hand. I think I can hold my own, and it keeps me engaged in the game.”
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“Earlier in my career [the Red Wings] were deep in a rebuild,” DeBrincat said. “You can see the compete level has been higher. You see a team that’s maybe frustrated with being in a rebuild and wants to get out. I’m excited to join that and hopefully be part of the solution to get out of that. I definitely see the potential in this group.”
Continued (no paywall as of 6:13 AM)
